The Days Are At Hand
EZEKIEL 12
It has been several weeks since we opened the book of Ezekiel and continued our journey through this prophet's vision.
In our last study from Ezekiel we saw that Israel was warned that they were not safe as many of them had assumed.
God was coming with judgment.
This reoccurring theme of coming judgment is addressed in this chapter as well.
It seems God has promised judgment for a long time and in this chapter we find His patience is running thin.
Let us read the last verses of our text first and see the primary emphasis of God's message to His people.
READ TEXT Vs.21-28
PRAY
It is clear from this portion of our text that God's primary message for the chapter is, "The day are at hand."
There will be no more waiting.
This is the last chance to obey.
The tone reminds me of dealing with my own children whom I love dearly and hate to punish.
When they are consistently disobedient, and I have repeatedly warned them that they will be punished if they do not stop, there comes a time when I must hold to all my warnings, and punish them as I have said.
It is not because I do not love them that I finally pull out the "rod of correction" which may be my belt or a wooden spoon.
It is because I do love them.
The Bible is replete with encouragement to parents to follow through with corporal punishment if they love their children.
Here are just a few of the Scriptures on the subject:
Pr 13:24 ¶ He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Pr 19:18 ¶ Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Pr 22:15 ¶ Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Pr 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Pr 29:15 ¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Pr 29:17 ¶ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
All of these verses show the great benefit to the child upon receiving proper punishment,
But we as parents hate to punish our children and put it off till that last because we care so much for them.
But it is that love for them that finally breaks down our patience and forces us to correct our children in a biblical way.
I point out this common Biblical truth, because God, the best Father a child could ever have, shows Himself as such in our text.
He has warned and He has pleaded.
He has threatened and he has waited.
Finally, God says, my waiting is over.
You are receiving the wrong message from my mercy and my longsuffering with you.
In verse 22 we saw that the Lord mentioned a proverb that was common among the people that showed their attitude about the judgment that God had been promising.
The people had begun to say that they had plenty of time to obey, and God's promises of judgment were empty.
This attitude could not be allowed by a loving Father.
God was forced to act out of love for His children and finally bring the judgment He had promised.
From this last portion of our text we can see the imperative of the entire chapter:
EVERY PERSON MUST OBEY THE LORD'S VOICE.
This command is clear and it is powerful.
No one is exempt from this mandate.
You are sitting here in church this morning, and God has been working in your heart to give up some sin or to forgive a person.
Maybe He has been speaking to your heart above accepting His Son as your personal Saviour.
You have heard His repeated warnings.
You have felt His constant prodding.
Let me warn you this morning, God will not always be in this mode of pleading and prodding.
In a former time before the worldwide flood, God told Noah:
Ge 6:3 ¶ And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Then God did finally bring the judgment He had promised.
When it started raining and the waters of the deep began to rise, surely people began to call upon the Lord, but it was too late.
Pr 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Please take this final warning from Ezekiel, The Days are at Hand.
We must Obey His voice today.
There is plenty of motivation in our text to respond to the voice of the Lord.
We can go back to the first verses in the chapter and see these.
The first motivation I can see is:
Every person must obey the Lord's voice:
1.) Because God has shown us the price of disobedience.
Let us read the beginning of our text and see the creative way in which God conveys His message of coming doom to His people.
READ VERSES 1-7
Eze 12:1 ¶ The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.
3 Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house.
4 Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
5 Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby.
6 In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.
7 And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight.
Ezekiel is given direction by God to carry out an elaborate charade before the people.
In this acting out of God's message, Ezekiel shows Israel the price of disobedience.
So often, when people fall into sin, whether it be the sin of bitterness or the sin of alcoholism, or even some sexual deviancy, they come to a place where God brings judgment and they seem shocked by the price of disobedience.
It is not for lack of warning but for lack of listening. (SEE VERSE 2)
God has shown us the price of disobedience.
Concerning the price of disobedience God reveals several things:
> Disobedience results in great loss.
Ezekiel was told to illustrate this great loss by packing up all his stuff and taking it away just as would happen when the Chaldeans would come and remove them from their land.
> Disobedience tears down walls of protection and safety.
Ezekiel was told to dig from the inside out to show how their disobedience had torn down the protection between them and the enemy.
> Disobedience results in great shame. Verses 8-16
Ezekiel was told to illustrate the shame of the prince being taken from the palace and shoved into a lineup of slaves.
Eze 12:8 And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,
9 Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?
10 Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them.
11 Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity.
12 And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes.
13 My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.
14 And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.
15 And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.
16 But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
In Verse 16 we see that part of the shame of disobedience is that they would serve as a lesson to the Heathen that God means what He says, for He is a God that keeps His word.
Lastly we see the final aspect of the price of disobedience.
> Disobedience always costs more than you expected.
Ezekiel is given one last act to show the shock and the astonishment of the disobedient after judgment begins.
Eze 12:17 ¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
18 Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;
19 And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.
20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Sin will take you further than you want to go; cost you more than you want to pay; and keep you longer than you wanted to stay.
Although God has clearly shown the price of disobedience, if you do not turn now, when the time comes for payment, you will be shocked and astonished at the price-tag.
We have seen the primary motivation that God gives for obeying His voice.
It is the price of disobedience.
Disobedience results in great loss.
Disobedience tears down walls of protection and safety.
Disobedience results in great shame.
Disobedience always costs more than you expected.
Now it is time to deal with the practical steps toward obeying God's voice.
These steps are merely implied in our text, and they are simple.
1.) Consider His command. Verse 3b
Many will not consider what God has to say because they are already sure that they are right.
Do not be one of these.
Consider what God is telling you to do.
It is not much in comparison to the price of disobedience.
If you are lost, as we all are without Christ, He is simply asking you to repent of your sin and take Jesus as your Saviour.
If you are bitter, He is simply asking you let go of that burning cancer and embrace the love of Christ.
If you are addicted, He is simply asking you to avail yourself of the freedom and liberty that He offers.
If you are rebellious, He is simply asking you to surrender to God's ordained authority in your life.
Consider this, it is not that hard to obey.
The second practical step is clear:
2.) Do it now. Verse 28
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
God may not give you another chance.
He may not give you another moment.
The judgment He has promised is coming.
Heb 3:7 ¶ Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Heb 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
God is here, in this instant pleading one more time with you.
Will you obey?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
DECENTLY AND IN ORDER
DECENTLY AND IN ORDER
I CORINTHIANS 14
The Purpose of the Gifts
• The Purpose of The Sign Gifts
– To lend authority and proof to the institution of the Gospel and its primary proclaimer, the Local Church. (Acts, I Corinthians 13:10)
– To serve as a sign to the unbeliever of the veracity of the Gospel. I Corinthians 14:22
• The Purpose of The Ministry Gifts
– To be used in the ministry of the gospel and to the saints. I Corinthians 14:12
The Person of the Gifts
• The Holy Spirit of God
– Whose particular concern is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 12:3
– Who works in many different ways but never works against Himself. I Corinthians 12:4-11
– Who works for the unity of the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:12-27
– Whose authority is reflected in the ministers of the church as they hold to His Word. I Corinthians 12:28
I CORINTHIANS 14
The Purpose of the Gifts
• The Purpose of The Sign Gifts
– To lend authority and proof to the institution of the Gospel and its primary proclaimer, the Local Church. (Acts, I Corinthians 13:10)
– To serve as a sign to the unbeliever of the veracity of the Gospel. I Corinthians 14:22
• The Purpose of The Ministry Gifts
– To be used in the ministry of the gospel and to the saints. I Corinthians 14:12
The Person of the Gifts
• The Holy Spirit of God
– Whose particular concern is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 12:3
– Who works in many different ways but never works against Himself. I Corinthians 12:4-11
– Who works for the unity of the body of Christ. I Corinthians 12:12-27
– Whose authority is reflected in the ministers of the church as they hold to His Word. I Corinthians 12:28
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Where is the Love? Part 4
The Preeminence of Love
I Corinthians 13:8-13
Ø Love outlasts the sign gifts
Ø The Sign Gift of Prophecy
Ø The Sign Gift of Tongues
Ø The Sign Gift of Knowledge
Ø Love outperforms the sign gifts
Ø The sign gift of knowledge was incomplete.
Ø The sign gift of prophecy was incomplete.
Ø The Scripture made the sign gifts obsolete.
Ø Love outgrows an immature faith
Ø Immature Speech
Ø Immature Understanding
Ø Immature Thoughts
Ø Love out-sees the lack thereof
Ø We see God now only dimly.
Ø In Heaven we will see Him face to face.
Ø We know God now only partly.
Ø In Heaven we will know Him as He knows us.
Ø For now, we will see and know God best if we love one another. I John 4:7,8
Ø Love outshines other virtues.
Ø Faith is required to please God. Hebrews 11:6
Ø Hope is the virtue to which we are born again. I Peter 1:3
Ø Love is greater than either of these.
I Corinthians 13:8-13
Ø Love outlasts the sign gifts
Ø The Sign Gift of Prophecy
Ø The Sign Gift of Tongues
Ø The Sign Gift of Knowledge
Ø Love outperforms the sign gifts
Ø The sign gift of knowledge was incomplete.
Ø The sign gift of prophecy was incomplete.
Ø The Scripture made the sign gifts obsolete.
Ø Love outgrows an immature faith
Ø Immature Speech
Ø Immature Understanding
Ø Immature Thoughts
Ø Love out-sees the lack thereof
Ø We see God now only dimly.
Ø In Heaven we will see Him face to face.
Ø We know God now only partly.
Ø In Heaven we will know Him as He knows us.
Ø For now, we will see and know God best if we love one another. I John 4:7,8
Ø Love outshines other virtues.
Ø Faith is required to please God. Hebrews 11:6
Ø Hope is the virtue to which we are born again. I Peter 1:3
Ø Love is greater than either of these.
Gideon 3
Gideon 3
Judges 7:24-8:23
Over the past two weeks we have seen the exciting story of Gideon from the book of Judges.
Two weeks ago we saw God pick his man.
Gideon was an unlikely choice, but God knew that Gideon would submit to His will and obey the most difficult of commands.
Our Hero in Hiding was soon a Commoner Commissioned. His Midnight Raid served as an example to us as we seek to be the kind of leader God wants us to be.
Last week we saw the most well-known part of the story, in which Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and then sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.
Next, God weeded out the fearful and the careless, but then took special care to encourage His chosen leadership.
Gideon paid close attention to effective methods and God gave him a miraculous victory.
Today we will see a part of the story rarely noticed in the usual telling of Gideon's tale.
There are a couple of facts that hold true in all situations and certainly apply to Gideon's case:
1.) Any great victory is followed by many new responsibilities.
2.) Any great victory is followed by unreasonable complaints.
3.) Any great victory is followed by great opposition.
Our text is not an easy text.
As a matter of fact, there is some difficulty and harshness in the Scripture we will read this morning.
I would challenge you to open your heart and seek to find the message that God has for you this morning.
READ TEXT
PRAY
As you will recall, Gideon had gone against Midian with a scant 300 chosen men.
This was not a normal way to go to battle, but it was how God had led him.
Now, having defeated them by God's miraculous power, Gideon and his 300 had Midian on the run.
Now it was time to get others involved.
Gideon sent swift messengers to the great tribe of Ephraim.
Ephraim's response was as could be expected from a military tribe.
They rushed to aid in the fight and defeated the fleeing Midianite, even taking the two greatest leaders and slaying them.
It is their complaint after the battle that brings us to our first point this morning.
Ephraim was offended that Gideon had not involved them immediately.
Such is often the case when well-intended people gather to a work.
Ephraim felt that Gideon should have called them before going against the Midianites.
They did not understand God's specific leading in Gideon's life.
They could not have comprehended why God would want to start the battle with only 300.
Gideon could have said, "Hey, get over it!" "You probably would have been weeded out with the careless anyway!"
Gideon could have been angered at their offense and told them to grow up.
Instead, he provides and example for dealing with offenses that is consistent with Scriptural teaching on the subject.
> When faced with hurt feelings answer with grace. Vs.1-3
Pr 15:1 ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Gideon gave them the credit for the great work that they had done and trivialized his own accomplishments in order to appease them.
This shows humility and grace in leadership.
_____________________________
The next point is taken from the negative actions of some who were afraid to participate until victory was guaranteed.
This is so often the case in times that call for added participation.
It seems people are afraid to be a part of something that has less than a guarantee of success.
Faith is taken out of the picture and fear takes its place.
People say, "tell me when you have more people and we will come" or, "Tell me when you have a building of your own and then we will join."
What they don't seem to realize is that God could use them to do a great work right now and they could share in the great victories to come.
> When faced with opportunity to do good, never hesitate. Vs. 4-17
It is time we decided that we will step forward at every opportunity and answered God call to the work.
The people of Succoth and Penuel were afraid that if they jumped in to help that they would be forced to pay for it later.
They had determined they would live their lives guided by fear instead of faith.
What is it that holds you back from joining the battle and supporting God's leadership.
Are you afraid of what someone will say?
Are you afraid of what it will cost you?
Cast your fears aside and step forward in faith and join the fray.
God will bless you for it.
______________________________
The next and final point this morning is in verses 22 and 23.
Gideon was given the opportunity to take the glory for his great victories and even be promoted to supreme ruler.
His response teaches us that it is better to give credit to God than to seek for promotion of self.
> When faced with the temptation to steal the glory from God, decline. Vs. 22,23
Gideon was concerned with one thing, that God might rule and His will alone be done.
What people thought of him personally was of little concern in light of what they thought of God.
Certainly, as you research further, Gideon's leadership you will find he made some mistakes, but his concern for God's will made him a great leader.
The people had rest for 40 years while Gideon was judge of Israel.
Let us determine that we will never fall to the temptation to lift up ourselves when we could lift up God.
As He was the only One who could save us from our sins, He is the only One who can give us great victory in our lives.
Many will suffer the penalty of their sins because they have decided that they are self sufficient.
They believe that some good work of their own will grant them favor with God and earn them a place in heaven.
These people will die in their sin of they do not recognize that only the great work of Calvary can purchase a place in heaven.
If you would like to accept God's great gift of eternal life you can do that today while we sing the invitation hymn.
Perhaps you have been challenged by some other portion of the passage this morning and would like to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord.
That is why we give you this opportunity to make things right with God.
Won't you come?
Judges 7:24-8:23
Over the past two weeks we have seen the exciting story of Gideon from the book of Judges.
Two weeks ago we saw God pick his man.
Gideon was an unlikely choice, but God knew that Gideon would submit to His will and obey the most difficult of commands.
Our Hero in Hiding was soon a Commoner Commissioned. His Midnight Raid served as an example to us as we seek to be the kind of leader God wants us to be.
Last week we saw the most well-known part of the story, in which Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and then sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.
Next, God weeded out the fearful and the careless, but then took special care to encourage His chosen leadership.
Gideon paid close attention to effective methods and God gave him a miraculous victory.
Today we will see a part of the story rarely noticed in the usual telling of Gideon's tale.
There are a couple of facts that hold true in all situations and certainly apply to Gideon's case:
1.) Any great victory is followed by many new responsibilities.
2.) Any great victory is followed by unreasonable complaints.
3.) Any great victory is followed by great opposition.
Our text is not an easy text.
As a matter of fact, there is some difficulty and harshness in the Scripture we will read this morning.
I would challenge you to open your heart and seek to find the message that God has for you this morning.
READ TEXT
PRAY
As you will recall, Gideon had gone against Midian with a scant 300 chosen men.
This was not a normal way to go to battle, but it was how God had led him.
Now, having defeated them by God's miraculous power, Gideon and his 300 had Midian on the run.
Now it was time to get others involved.
Gideon sent swift messengers to the great tribe of Ephraim.
Ephraim's response was as could be expected from a military tribe.
They rushed to aid in the fight and defeated the fleeing Midianite, even taking the two greatest leaders and slaying them.
It is their complaint after the battle that brings us to our first point this morning.
Ephraim was offended that Gideon had not involved them immediately.
Such is often the case when well-intended people gather to a work.
Ephraim felt that Gideon should have called them before going against the Midianites.
They did not understand God's specific leading in Gideon's life.
They could not have comprehended why God would want to start the battle with only 300.
Gideon could have said, "Hey, get over it!" "You probably would have been weeded out with the careless anyway!"
Gideon could have been angered at their offense and told them to grow up.
Instead, he provides and example for dealing with offenses that is consistent with Scriptural teaching on the subject.
> When faced with hurt feelings answer with grace. Vs.1-3
Pr 15:1 ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Gideon gave them the credit for the great work that they had done and trivialized his own accomplishments in order to appease them.
This shows humility and grace in leadership.
_____________________________
The next point is taken from the negative actions of some who were afraid to participate until victory was guaranteed.
This is so often the case in times that call for added participation.
It seems people are afraid to be a part of something that has less than a guarantee of success.
Faith is taken out of the picture and fear takes its place.
People say, "tell me when you have more people and we will come" or, "Tell me when you have a building of your own and then we will join."
What they don't seem to realize is that God could use them to do a great work right now and they could share in the great victories to come.
> When faced with opportunity to do good, never hesitate. Vs. 4-17
It is time we decided that we will step forward at every opportunity and answered God call to the work.
The people of Succoth and Penuel were afraid that if they jumped in to help that they would be forced to pay for it later.
They had determined they would live their lives guided by fear instead of faith.
What is it that holds you back from joining the battle and supporting God's leadership.
Are you afraid of what someone will say?
Are you afraid of what it will cost you?
Cast your fears aside and step forward in faith and join the fray.
God will bless you for it.
______________________________
The next and final point this morning is in verses 22 and 23.
Gideon was given the opportunity to take the glory for his great victories and even be promoted to supreme ruler.
His response teaches us that it is better to give credit to God than to seek for promotion of self.
> When faced with the temptation to steal the glory from God, decline. Vs. 22,23
Gideon was concerned with one thing, that God might rule and His will alone be done.
What people thought of him personally was of little concern in light of what they thought of God.
Certainly, as you research further, Gideon's leadership you will find he made some mistakes, but his concern for God's will made him a great leader.
The people had rest for 40 years while Gideon was judge of Israel.
Let us determine that we will never fall to the temptation to lift up ourselves when we could lift up God.
As He was the only One who could save us from our sins, He is the only One who can give us great victory in our lives.
Many will suffer the penalty of their sins because they have decided that they are self sufficient.
They believe that some good work of their own will grant them favor with God and earn them a place in heaven.
These people will die in their sin of they do not recognize that only the great work of Calvary can purchase a place in heaven.
If you would like to accept God's great gift of eternal life you can do that today while we sing the invitation hymn.
Perhaps you have been challenged by some other portion of the passage this morning and would like to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord.
That is why we give you this opportunity to make things right with God.
Won't you come?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Gideon 2
Gideon 2
Judges 6:33-40
By way of review, last week we read from Chapter 6 of Gideon's calling and commission to the great work of delivering his people.
We noted that Gideon was an unlikely leader, but God had great plans for his life.
He was at first a Hero in Hiding.
Next we saw God call him to the work and he was a Commoner Commissioned.
Lastly, we saw God's plan involved some housecleaning and He challenged Gideon to do a Midnight Raid within his own household.
Now we are brought back to the task of delivering Israel as Gideon is seeking to obey God's calling on his life.
There are several points throughout the story that I want to highlight, the first being in the first three verses of the opening text.
READ TEXT Judges 6:33-40
PRAY
Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. V33-35
Gideon was not waiting to obey God, He immediately began preparations as God had commanded.
If God has a great work for you and has laid it upon your heart, begin preparation now!
Upon taking this great step of faith and calling for men from four tribes, Gideon is concerned with clarifying his call.
I do not see this as a weakness in Gideon but an admirable strength.
Gideon sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.V36-40
When we are burdened to accomplish something for the cause of Christ, we should always seek to prove God's specific directions.
Notice this was not a long drawn-out process in which Gideon was looking for an excuse to quit.
Rather, this was a brief time of solidifying God's specific calling on Gideon's life.
God came through in a miraculous way for Gideon and showed him that He would be true to His word and deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites and Amalekites.
God Weeded out the Fearful and the Careless. V1-8
These eight verses are some of the most intriguing in the whole story.
God had a very clear plan for Gideon's victory and Gideon was willing to follow it to the letter.
He first weeded out the fearful.
He then weeded out the reckless.
There remained only 300 courageous and careful men with whom God promised to win the victory.
When people leave the ranks for whatever reason, it can be discouraging.
There is a certain security in numbers.
God is aware of this and sought to encourage Gideon.
God Encouraged His chosen leadership. V9-15
It seems there were some bad dreams going through the minds of the Midianites.
God knew this would encourage Gideon.
When we are discouraged or in need of encouragement, look around, God will show you if you are still on the right path.
Gideon paid close attention to effective methods. V16-20
Now Gideon's methods of battle were a bit different than what was traditional.
He could have held with traditional methods and charged into the host with swords drawn.
However, he was willing to do something different to win the battle.
Sometimes God wants us to move out of our comfort zone, leaving traditional methods behind and do something that will bring Him the most glory.
Notice that later in the story, Gideon's methods change again.
He is not tied to a method just because it is successful once.
Later he picks up the traditional sword and goes to battle as was normal.
God wrought a miraculous victory. V21-23
We see here that God always intended on winning this great victory.
There is much more to this story, but let us examine ourselves:
When the Holy Spirit pricks your heart do you move immediately?
When You God to battle do you seek God's specific instructions?
God's plan for you may take a great step of faith.
Are you willing to take that step?
Judges 6:33-40
By way of review, last week we read from Chapter 6 of Gideon's calling and commission to the great work of delivering his people.
We noted that Gideon was an unlikely leader, but God had great plans for his life.
He was at first a Hero in Hiding.
Next we saw God call him to the work and he was a Commoner Commissioned.
Lastly, we saw God's plan involved some housecleaning and He challenged Gideon to do a Midnight Raid within his own household.
Now we are brought back to the task of delivering Israel as Gideon is seeking to obey God's calling on his life.
There are several points throughout the story that I want to highlight, the first being in the first three verses of the opening text.
READ TEXT Judges 6:33-40
PRAY
Gideon immediately followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. V33-35
Gideon was not waiting to obey God, He immediately began preparations as God had commanded.
If God has a great work for you and has laid it upon your heart, begin preparation now!
Upon taking this great step of faith and calling for men from four tribes, Gideon is concerned with clarifying his call.
I do not see this as a weakness in Gideon but an admirable strength.
Gideon sought to prove the Lord's specific directions.V36-40
When we are burdened to accomplish something for the cause of Christ, we should always seek to prove God's specific directions.
Notice this was not a long drawn-out process in which Gideon was looking for an excuse to quit.
Rather, this was a brief time of solidifying God's specific calling on Gideon's life.
God came through in a miraculous way for Gideon and showed him that He would be true to His word and deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianites and Amalekites.
God Weeded out the Fearful and the Careless. V1-8
These eight verses are some of the most intriguing in the whole story.
God had a very clear plan for Gideon's victory and Gideon was willing to follow it to the letter.
He first weeded out the fearful.
He then weeded out the reckless.
There remained only 300 courageous and careful men with whom God promised to win the victory.
When people leave the ranks for whatever reason, it can be discouraging.
There is a certain security in numbers.
God is aware of this and sought to encourage Gideon.
God Encouraged His chosen leadership. V9-15
It seems there were some bad dreams going through the minds of the Midianites.
God knew this would encourage Gideon.
When we are discouraged or in need of encouragement, look around, God will show you if you are still on the right path.
Gideon paid close attention to effective methods. V16-20
Now Gideon's methods of battle were a bit different than what was traditional.
He could have held with traditional methods and charged into the host with swords drawn.
However, he was willing to do something different to win the battle.
Sometimes God wants us to move out of our comfort zone, leaving traditional methods behind and do something that will bring Him the most glory.
Notice that later in the story, Gideon's methods change again.
He is not tied to a method just because it is successful once.
Later he picks up the traditional sword and goes to battle as was normal.
God wrought a miraculous victory. V21-23
We see here that God always intended on winning this great victory.
There is much more to this story, but let us examine ourselves:
When the Holy Spirit pricks your heart do you move immediately?
When You God to battle do you seek God's specific instructions?
God's plan for you may take a great step of faith.
Are you willing to take that step?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Where is the Love?
Where is the Love?
I Corinthians 13
The Personality of Love
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Ø Love is longsuffering
- makrothumei implies a longevity of forbearing under duress without showing signs of irritation or dislike.
- It holds up under many and repeated offenses without becoming indignant or resentful.
- This love lasts through much hardship without ever failing
- 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
- 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Ø Love is kind
- creisteuoami means to show one’s self useful. It implies a benevolent spirit, a desire to help with whatever means are at your disposal.
- Lu 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Ø Love is not envious
- zeilo-o speaks of a warmth of feeling towards something, but not in a good way. It is a burning desire for something that is not yours or for a position in life that God has not granted.
- The worst kind of envy is envy of the world. We must take great care to love the world with a selfless love that sees preciousness in them and not be distracted by the sin in which they live.
- We must also be happy to see the success and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Envy will kill our relationships with each other and strain our relationship with God.
- Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Ø Love is not self-promoting
- perpereuetai this Greek word indicates a boastful attitude which spurs a person to constantly speak of themselves and their own spiritual prowess.
- This type of self promotion stems from an insecurity that a person has in themselves. A lack of love and concern for others will lead an insecure person to constantly speak of their own goodness and spirituality.
- Remember this was a specific problem that the people of the church at Corinth had. Many were promoting themselves instead of God with their gifts.
Ø Love is not proud
- ou fusioutai literally means to be full of one’s self and is rightly translated, “puffed up.” This is simply pride.
- Pride indicates a lack of understanding of our real inadequacy. We are not “all that,” and if we loved as we ought, we would realize that.
- Pride works against love because it puts self first instead of those around us.
- 1Co 8:1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ø Love is not rude - verse 5
- ouk aschmonei is a Greek term that means to behave in a disgraceful or improper way.
- In short, love produces good manners.
- If we recognize the preciousness of the object of our love we will want to give the greatest deference to that person, not argue with them or offend them.
_____________________
Ø Love is not selfish
- ou zeitei ta eauteis The Greek phrase is translated exactly and needs no further explanation.
- Even Phileo love has a tendency to seek it own pleasure. Agape love is invested in others.
- Such was Christ’s love when He went to the cross – unselfish and generous, seeking the profit of others.
- It is this love that motivates us to tell others about Jesus.
- Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Ø Love is not prone to anger
- ou paroxunetai means to not be easily stirred to wrath. It implies that while we are loving the way we should we cannot be angry at the object of our love.
- Since anger is a feeling of animosity, it cannot co-exist with Agape love. How can we hold bitter feelings toward something that is precious to us?
- The solution to a quick temper is to recognize the preciousness of those for whom we are feeling anger.
- Beginning with what we know to be true about God’s investment in us, we should be able to logically transfer that same value to others, for truly, Christ died for all.
Ø Love does not assume evil intent
- oulogizetai to kakon the first word means to impute. The implication is clear: when we love as we should we assume the best of people.
- This is not a blind ignorance of sin nature, we know that man is not essentially good, but we need not assume that everyone is out to get us.
- Assuming evil intention puts the focus back on ourselves – this is not love.
- The happiest, relationship-rich people are those who assume good intent before evil intent. These people are loving.
Ø Love does not find joy in sin Verse 6
- ou cairei epi tei adikia the Greek phrase means to find no pleasure in falsehood. Love does not necessitate an acceptance of sin.
- We must constantly hate the sin while loving the sinner. It is a danger of being in the world and loving as we should to become tolerant of sin – this must never happen.
- If all we have is Phileo love we will end up enjoying the sin as much as the sinner.
- Ro 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
- Here we see the balance of love maintained where so often it is lost.
Ø Love rejoices in the truth
- sugchairo aleitheia this is in contrast to the former phrase and means to rejoice in the truth.
- Agape love never compromises – it is greater than Satan’s counterfeit love so often called tolerance. It see the value of a person and recognizes the horridness of their sin.
- So we are commanded by scripture to judge sin and not people. God judges people.
- Love is not blind and accepting of all ways of life. It is much greater than that. The truth must never be compromised by our brand of love.
- Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
_____________________
Ø Love carries on without offense
- panta stegei the picture that is painted for us here is of a burro that just keep on going regardless of how much is laid on its back.
- So we as Christians should be so motivated by love that regardless of the offenses laid on us, we never turn back, We never quit, we never take offense.
- When we are living in the power of love there is no proverbial “last straw.” We bear all things.
- Isa 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
- 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Ø Love trusts without undue suspicion
- panta pisteuei with similar construction to the first phrase, this one is in regards to trust.
- It hearkens back to “love does not assume evil intent” as it simply means that Love is not full of suspicion about everyone’s motives.
- If we would take the focus off ourselves for a moment, we might stop worrying about what everyone is “really” thinking.
- Love is too busy trying to see the value in a person to suspect every move they make and every word they say as having an evil motive.
- It may be true that love opens us up to hurt by those whom we love, so Christ did for us without a second thought.
Ø Love looks forward without fear
- panta elpizei “always hoping” He who lives in love live in hope.
- This is actually a product of love. Our outlook on life becomes brighter, and we begin to see the world the way God sees it, with innumerable opportunities to glorify Him.
- When we love without undue suspicion we remove a dark pall from the day and let the sun shine in and give us hope.
- Love looks forward to tomorrow with no fear of what it might bring forth.
Ø Love endures without complaint
- panta upomenei this is similar to the first in this verse and means to endure all things.
- We can and must endure because Jesus endured.
- We cannot break now because there is too much hope in today and tomorrow.
- Fanny Crosby exemplified this kind of love at the age of 8:
Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoyThat other people don't,To weep and sigh because I'm blindI cannot, and I won't!
So we must endure without complaint, because we are living in love.
I Corinthians 13
The Personality of Love
I Corinthians 13:4-7
Ø Love is longsuffering
- makrothumei implies a longevity of forbearing under duress without showing signs of irritation or dislike.
- It holds up under many and repeated offenses without becoming indignant or resentful.
- This love lasts through much hardship without ever failing
- 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
- 2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Ø Love is kind
- creisteuoami means to show one’s self useful. It implies a benevolent spirit, a desire to help with whatever means are at your disposal.
- Lu 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Ø Love is not envious
- zeilo-o speaks of a warmth of feeling towards something, but not in a good way. It is a burning desire for something that is not yours or for a position in life that God has not granted.
- The worst kind of envy is envy of the world. We must take great care to love the world with a selfless love that sees preciousness in them and not be distracted by the sin in which they live.
- We must also be happy to see the success and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Envy will kill our relationships with each other and strain our relationship with God.
- Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Ø Love is not self-promoting
- perpereuetai this Greek word indicates a boastful attitude which spurs a person to constantly speak of themselves and their own spiritual prowess.
- This type of self promotion stems from an insecurity that a person has in themselves. A lack of love and concern for others will lead an insecure person to constantly speak of their own goodness and spirituality.
- Remember this was a specific problem that the people of the church at Corinth had. Many were promoting themselves instead of God with their gifts.
Ø Love is not proud
- ou fusioutai literally means to be full of one’s self and is rightly translated, “puffed up.” This is simply pride.
- Pride indicates a lack of understanding of our real inadequacy. We are not “all that,” and if we loved as we ought, we would realize that.
- Pride works against love because it puts self first instead of those around us.
- 1Co 8:1 ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Ø Love is not rude - verse 5
- ouk aschmonei is a Greek term that means to behave in a disgraceful or improper way.
- In short, love produces good manners.
- If we recognize the preciousness of the object of our love we will want to give the greatest deference to that person, not argue with them or offend them.
_____________________
Ø Love is not selfish
- ou zeitei ta eauteis The Greek phrase is translated exactly and needs no further explanation.
- Even Phileo love has a tendency to seek it own pleasure. Agape love is invested in others.
- Such was Christ’s love when He went to the cross – unselfish and generous, seeking the profit of others.
- It is this love that motivates us to tell others about Jesus.
- Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
- 1Co 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Ø Love is not prone to anger
- ou paroxunetai means to not be easily stirred to wrath. It implies that while we are loving the way we should we cannot be angry at the object of our love.
- Since anger is a feeling of animosity, it cannot co-exist with Agape love. How can we hold bitter feelings toward something that is precious to us?
- The solution to a quick temper is to recognize the preciousness of those for whom we are feeling anger.
- Beginning with what we know to be true about God’s investment in us, we should be able to logically transfer that same value to others, for truly, Christ died for all.
Ø Love does not assume evil intent
- oulogizetai to kakon the first word means to impute. The implication is clear: when we love as we should we assume the best of people.
- This is not a blind ignorance of sin nature, we know that man is not essentially good, but we need not assume that everyone is out to get us.
- Assuming evil intention puts the focus back on ourselves – this is not love.
- The happiest, relationship-rich people are those who assume good intent before evil intent. These people are loving.
Ø Love does not find joy in sin Verse 6
- ou cairei epi tei adikia the Greek phrase means to find no pleasure in falsehood. Love does not necessitate an acceptance of sin.
- We must constantly hate the sin while loving the sinner. It is a danger of being in the world and loving as we should to become tolerant of sin – this must never happen.
- If all we have is Phileo love we will end up enjoying the sin as much as the sinner.
- Ro 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
- Here we see the balance of love maintained where so often it is lost.
Ø Love rejoices in the truth
- sugchairo aleitheia this is in contrast to the former phrase and means to rejoice in the truth.
- Agape love never compromises – it is greater than Satan’s counterfeit love so often called tolerance. It see the value of a person and recognizes the horridness of their sin.
- So we are commanded by scripture to judge sin and not people. God judges people.
- Love is not blind and accepting of all ways of life. It is much greater than that. The truth must never be compromised by our brand of love.
- Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
_____________________
Ø Love carries on without offense
- panta stegei the picture that is painted for us here is of a burro that just keep on going regardless of how much is laid on its back.
- So we as Christians should be so motivated by love that regardless of the offenses laid on us, we never turn back, We never quit, we never take offense.
- When we are living in the power of love there is no proverbial “last straw.” We bear all things.
- Isa 53:4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
- 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Ø Love trusts without undue suspicion
- panta pisteuei with similar construction to the first phrase, this one is in regards to trust.
- It hearkens back to “love does not assume evil intent” as it simply means that Love is not full of suspicion about everyone’s motives.
- If we would take the focus off ourselves for a moment, we might stop worrying about what everyone is “really” thinking.
- Love is too busy trying to see the value in a person to suspect every move they make and every word they say as having an evil motive.
- It may be true that love opens us up to hurt by those whom we love, so Christ did for us without a second thought.
Ø Love looks forward without fear
- panta elpizei “always hoping” He who lives in love live in hope.
- This is actually a product of love. Our outlook on life becomes brighter, and we begin to see the world the way God sees it, with innumerable opportunities to glorify Him.
- When we love without undue suspicion we remove a dark pall from the day and let the sun shine in and give us hope.
- Love looks forward to tomorrow with no fear of what it might bring forth.
Ø Love endures without complaint
- panta upomenei this is similar to the first in this verse and means to endure all things.
- We can and must endure because Jesus endured.
- We cannot break now because there is too much hope in today and tomorrow.
- Fanny Crosby exemplified this kind of love at the age of 8:
Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoyThat other people don't,To weep and sigh because I'm blindI cannot, and I won't!
So we must endure without complaint, because we are living in love.
Gideon Part 1
Gideon Part 1
Our text begins with the familiar phrase, "and the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD."
We have seen the pattern, which all to often reflects the pattern of spiritual instability in our society, our churches and in many Christian's lives.
Last week we saw the great heroines of the time of the judges, Deborah and Jael.
They were used by God to deliver Israel from the Canaanite enemies, and Barak was inspired to lead Israel to victory in battle against Sisera's army.
Israel's stability lasted for forty years.
Then we see that Israel had drifted back into her old ways.
The false gods of the pagans around her were so much more attractive than a God they could not see.
They began to make the same compromises as before, bringing in idols to worship, perhaps first as good luck charms but soon as a very real and dangerous demonic presence in their society.
Once again we will see in our text God raises up a nearby nation to afflict Israel until His people come back to Him.
READ TEXT
Judges 6:1 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
7 ¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
8 That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11 ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
PRAY
To quickly recap our opening text, it is the Midianites that God brings in to judge Israel and to make His people want to come back to Him.
The Midianites were quite different than the Canaanites with whom Deborah and Barak had to deal.
The Midianites would wait until harvest time and come into the land with intimidating forces.
They would strike in raids throughout the land until they had loaded their camels with enough grain and produce to last them through the year, and then they would return home.
This left Israel in a defenseless and fragile position.
However, the turning point for Israel is in verse 6 when the people cried unto the LORD.
God responded by sending a prophet to remind them that He could deliver them yet again.
Now with the background set, the story begins in verse 11 with:
A HERO IN HIDING
Gideon was living in "survival mode" keeping out of the sunlight, hiding what he did to stay alive.
> Threshing ill.
It is with some implication of sarcasm that The angel of the Lord addresses Gideon in verse 12
Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
Gideon was not only hiding but was disheartened and losing faith in God
Judges 6:13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
God had a greater plan for Gideon - one that involved heroism instead of hiding.
Judges 6:14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
Gideon had all kinds of excuses as to why he was no hero.
Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
God made it very clear, it doesn't matter who you are or what natural advantages you might or might not have.
What matters is that I will be with you.
Judges 6:16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
God's only solution to our inadequacy is, "I will be with thee."
Gideon then looks to prove God's calling and we see in the next few verses -
A COMMONER COMMISSIONED
When we are called of God to do something great for Him, there need be only one question in our mind:
Is it God?
Gideon asked this question in the only way he knew how, He asked for a sign.
Judges 6:17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
He then asked the Lord to wait for him while he prepared a meal for this man whom he must have suspected of being God's prophet.
Judges 6:18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
So Gideon went and prepared a meal, taking probably several hours to do so and then returned with the fruit of his labors to give what he had to God's messenger.
Judges 6:19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
The Angel of God had a strange request for Gideon.
He told Gideon to place his well-prepared meal on a nearby rock and pour out the soup so diligently made.
Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
It is here that the Angel of the Lord put forth his staff and touched the offering.
It was immediately consumed by fire.
Judges 6:21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
So it is when we put what we have on the altar, God confirms our gift of service in a way that is meant to encourage us to take courage and move forward in His name.
There are several ways we can confirm God's calling in our life.
Gideon could not go to the pages of first and second Timothy to read of God's calling on a person.
There was no pastor or fellow believer with whom he could counsel to confirm his calling. He simply asked for a sign.
We need not asked for a similar burst of flame as we have great advantages that Gideon did not.
We can follow the following protocol:
1.) Confirm your calling with Scripture
2.) Confirm your calling with Christian advisors
3.) Confirm your calling with Service
Judges 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
It wasn't long before this newly commissioned commoner received his first mission.
A MIDNIGHT RAID
It is not a direct assault on the Midianites that God requires of Gideon.
It never is.
God always is concerned with cleaning house before going to battle.
Judges 6:25 ¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
The mission was specific and pointed.
Get the idols out and rebuild the altar to God.
Gideon went to work that very night.
Judges 6:27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
If you begin to clean up your home life, and rebuild the altar of worship to God so that He is the center of everything as He should be, you will face opposition and criticism.
Judges 6:29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
Gideon's father was challenged by his son's actions and stood by him.
Judges 6:31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
There is much left to this story of Gideon, but today we must examine ourselves.
Is God calling you out of hiding?
Is God commissioning you to do some great work for Him?
Is God challenging you to change your life overnight?
Take the challenge.
Confirm the calling, and do something great for God.
Our text begins with the familiar phrase, "and the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD."
We have seen the pattern, which all to often reflects the pattern of spiritual instability in our society, our churches and in many Christian's lives.
Last week we saw the great heroines of the time of the judges, Deborah and Jael.
They were used by God to deliver Israel from the Canaanite enemies, and Barak was inspired to lead Israel to victory in battle against Sisera's army.
Israel's stability lasted for forty years.
Then we see that Israel had drifted back into her old ways.
The false gods of the pagans around her were so much more attractive than a God they could not see.
They began to make the same compromises as before, bringing in idols to worship, perhaps first as good luck charms but soon as a very real and dangerous demonic presence in their society.
Once again we will see in our text God raises up a nearby nation to afflict Israel until His people come back to Him.
READ TEXT
Judges 6:1 ¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.
7 ¶ And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,
8 That the LORD sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;
9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land;
10 And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
11 ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
PRAY
To quickly recap our opening text, it is the Midianites that God brings in to judge Israel and to make His people want to come back to Him.
The Midianites were quite different than the Canaanites with whom Deborah and Barak had to deal.
The Midianites would wait until harvest time and come into the land with intimidating forces.
They would strike in raids throughout the land until they had loaded their camels with enough grain and produce to last them through the year, and then they would return home.
This left Israel in a defenseless and fragile position.
However, the turning point for Israel is in verse 6 when the people cried unto the LORD.
God responded by sending a prophet to remind them that He could deliver them yet again.
Now with the background set, the story begins in verse 11 with:
A HERO IN HIDING
Gideon was living in "survival mode" keeping out of the sunlight, hiding what he did to stay alive.
> Threshing ill.
It is with some implication of sarcasm that The angel of the Lord addresses Gideon in verse 12
Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
Gideon was not only hiding but was disheartened and losing faith in God
Judges 6:13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
God had a greater plan for Gideon - one that involved heroism instead of hiding.
Judges 6:14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
Gideon had all kinds of excuses as to why he was no hero.
Judges 6:15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.
God made it very clear, it doesn't matter who you are or what natural advantages you might or might not have.
What matters is that I will be with you.
Judges 6:16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
God's only solution to our inadequacy is, "I will be with thee."
Gideon then looks to prove God's calling and we see in the next few verses -
A COMMONER COMMISSIONED
When we are called of God to do something great for Him, there need be only one question in our mind:
Is it God?
Gideon asked this question in the only way he knew how, He asked for a sign.
Judges 6:17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
He then asked the Lord to wait for him while he prepared a meal for this man whom he must have suspected of being God's prophet.
Judges 6:18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
So Gideon went and prepared a meal, taking probably several hours to do so and then returned with the fruit of his labors to give what he had to God's messenger.
Judges 6:19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
The Angel of God had a strange request for Gideon.
He told Gideon to place his well-prepared meal on a nearby rock and pour out the soup so diligently made.
Judges 6:20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
It is here that the Angel of the Lord put forth his staff and touched the offering.
It was immediately consumed by fire.
Judges 6:21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
So it is when we put what we have on the altar, God confirms our gift of service in a way that is meant to encourage us to take courage and move forward in His name.
There are several ways we can confirm God's calling in our life.
Gideon could not go to the pages of first and second Timothy to read of God's calling on a person.
There was no pastor or fellow believer with whom he could counsel to confirm his calling. He simply asked for a sign.
We need not asked for a similar burst of flame as we have great advantages that Gideon did not.
We can follow the following protocol:
1.) Confirm your calling with Scripture
2.) Confirm your calling with Christian advisors
3.) Confirm your calling with Service
Judges 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
It wasn't long before this newly commissioned commoner received his first mission.
A MIDNIGHT RAID
It is not a direct assault on the Midianites that God requires of Gideon.
It never is.
God always is concerned with cleaning house before going to battle.
Judges 6:25 ¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
26 And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
The mission was specific and pointed.
Get the idols out and rebuild the altar to God.
Gideon went to work that very night.
Judges 6:27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
If you begin to clean up your home life, and rebuild the altar of worship to God so that He is the center of everything as He should be, you will face opposition and criticism.
Judges 6:29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
Gideon's father was challenged by his son's actions and stood by him.
Judges 6:31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
There is much left to this story of Gideon, but today we must examine ourselves.
Is God calling you out of hiding?
Is God commissioning you to do some great work for Him?
Is God challenging you to change your life overnight?
Take the challenge.
Confirm the calling, and do something great for God.
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